1. I said, “I will guard my ways,that I may not sin with my tongue;I will guard my mouth with a muzzle,so long as the wicked are in my presence.”
2. I was mute and silent;I held my peace to no avail,and my distress grew worse.
3. My heart became hot within me.As I mused, the fire burned;then I spoke with my tongue:
4. “O Lord, make me know my endand what is the measure of my days;let me know how fleeting I am!
5. Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,and my lifetime is as nothing before you.Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah
6. Surely a man goes about as a shadow!Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!
7. “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.
8. Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool!
9. I am mute; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it.
10. Remove your stroke from me;I am spent by the hostility of your hand.
11. When you discipline a manwith rebukes for sin,you consume like a moth what is dear to him; surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah
12. “Hear my prayer, O Lord,and give ear to my cry;hold not your peace at my tears!For I am a sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers.
13. Look away from me, that I may smile again, before I depart and am no more!”